Day 44: Pueblo, CO

Day 44

June 29, 2015

Miles: 41

Canon City to Pueblo

Last night we decided not to have continental breakfast at the hotel in the morning; instead we decided to go to a breakfast cafe around the corner.  We also decided to get up early so we could ride most of our miles in the morning to avoid the afternoon high heat.  So we agreed to meet at 7:00a for breakfast.  Here below are Jen and me; Ben is missing because he wanted to catch a few more zzzz's this morning, then grab a quick breakfast at the hotel.  As it turns out, Ben enjoyed his hotel breakfast very much; we thought ours was just OK.

Early breakfast - how can you tell?

After breakfast, Jen decided to buy Ben a Starbuck's Iced Coffee.

Jen getting Ben his morning fix

Although we intended to roll out early, we were faced with some complications.  Such as, Ben unfortunately got another flat tire; this time his rear tire. Steve and Jen helping out Ben with his flat.

Looking for hole in tire tube

Patching tire tube

We finally started rolling just before 10:00am. It was a good thing that we were only riding 35 miles today, so we thought ...

The last of the Rocky mountains in the distance.  We even ran into a couple elk on our way to Pueblo.

Sunflowers in foreground, Rocky's in background 

Three of us

Two male elk

This is where (below) we took a little break to hydrate and eat snacks.  With 23 miles left to go, we didn't stay too long.  We wanted to be in Pueblo by 2:00p if possible.

Jen relaxing

The happy couple

We learned about 2.5 miles away from the center of town that construction on the road would have us rerouting an additional 6 miles. 2:00pm is not looking that good anymore.

No pedestrian and bicyclists allowed

We found a bike path that lead us to the Arkansas River.  The river was roaring. In fact, we ran into a park ranger who escorted us out of the park area due to high water levels.  In previous days, floods had impacted this area.

River Vantage Point 1

River Vantage Point 2

Strike a pose!

Jen & Ben

Father & Daughter

Me on bridge, Jen in background

We found ourselves in the middle of a neighborhood, not quite on our bike map.  We are all using google maps on our iPhones to direct us to the city center and main street.

Who's on first?

Here we are checking on hotels, which as it turns out, just around the corner was a Marriott Courtyard where we decided to stay the night.

Jen taking off her bike shoes - she's had enough

We had dinner with Jen and Ben before they left for Colorado Springs.  We tried to get them to stay another night, but they had plans to do some camping and paddle boarding in Boulder.   They rented a car, packed their bikes and set for their next adventure.  It was hard to see them go, but we knew this time would eventually come.  It was great to spend this time with them.  They are great riding partners.  We did good together!

Before

Steve and Jen enjoyed lamb burgers, Ben a beef burger and me a Veggie burger.  Yummy!

After

Hanging out in Pueblo

Bye, bye for now Jen and Ben ... we love you both!

Steve and I are headed to Ordway tomorrow - about 53 miles.

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Extra pics from yesterday.